Transition to low-emission HVAC&R: Issues and solutions

AIRAH undertook this project on behalf of the whole of industry to provide a forum or mechanism whereby the transition to low -­‐ emission HVAC&R practices and technologies could be discussed openly and transparently. The topic is broad and the views are varied and often conflicting. The content of this paper is based on submissions rece \ived from industry stakeholders. Hence , many statements and conclusions are not referenced to published documents. This is neither a research paper nor a definitive situational analysis; this paper simply documents an industry discussion.Some criticisms have suggested the industry cannot have this discussion until all of the data relating to t he situation is defined and known. However, others have noted the idiom, “ When is the best time to plant a commercial forest ? Twenty years ago. But if you haven't done it yet: now! ” In a way the industry is trying to rebuild or modify the aeroplane while flying it – not an ideal situation but really the only practical approach, particularly if the aeroplane is not allowed to land. Another criticism is that the project is very large – too large – and the scope needs to be reduced, and the project broken down into much smaller steps. Again an idiom is offered, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” That has been the approach taken by AIRAH: one step at a time.The AIRAH -­‐ proposed roadmap consists of five pillars underpinning the transitio n: Professionalism, Regulation, Information, Measurement, and Emission abatement (PRIME). Each represents a different pathway, and all of the eventual industry -­‐ endorsed solutions can be listed in one of those categories. The pathways that have emerged are p resented as follows: Professionalism – The things that help to set the industry objectives and process for transition, including funding and engagement; strategy and policy; compiling and sharing data; and professionalising the industry through skills, tra ining, licensing and registration. Regulating – The things that relate to helping the HVAC&R industry to inform government policy and regulations, industry Codes, Australian Standards, and government programs. Information – The things that relate to the in formation that can be provided to e ducate and inform end users and technical service providers about skills relating to energy efficiency and reducing emissions, knowledge, technologies, fee structures, design practices , and maintenance imperatives. Measurement – The things that relate to helping industry and end users monitor, measure, rate, and benchmark HVAC&R performance, validate efficiency claims, and compare technology solutions, Emission abatement – The practical things that are done to reduce emiss ions. These include product stewardship, incentives for new technology and innovation, system procurement, good/best -­‐ practice accreditation, incentivising low -­‐ emission interventions, m aintenance for energy efficiency, and refrigerant containment

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